"Lord Hokage… there is one more matter. I'm not sure whether I should speak of it."
After successfully calming Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Fugaku hesitated deliberately, as if wrestling with himself.
Hiruzen's eyes flickered.
"Fugaku, it is only the two of us here. Speak plainly."
Fugaku paused, then exhaled as though steeling himself.
"The rumors circulating about you, Lord Hokage… while most originated from the First Elder's faction, our investigation suggests someone else has been quietly amplifying them."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
"Who?"
Fugaku clenched his jaw.
"It appears… the additional push came from Root shinobi under Shimura Danzō."
This was no reckless accusation.
After the rumors targeting Hiruzen gained traction, someone had indeed begun adding fuel—spreading darker material, dredging up past controversies, and accelerating public dissatisfaction.
The hand behind it had been subtle.
But under Afei's White Zetsu surveillance, Jin had traced the pattern.
Danzō.
It seemed the "Darkness of the Shinobi World" had chosen this moment to smear Hiruzen completely, pouring oil onto every spark.
Jin did not yet know Danzō's ultimate objective—
But he had seized the opportunity.
Mixed among the attacks were subtle lines praising Danzō's "firmness," contrasting him sharply with Hiruzen.
A public rivalry, now visible.
Hiruzen's expression did not change.
Whether he had anticipated this—or simply refused to show reaction—was unclear.
"Lord Hokage, I—"
"That is enough."
Hiruzen raised a hand, cutting Fugaku off.
"I will handle Danzō."
"You concern yourself with the Uchiha."
His tone hardened slightly.
"And until your internal matter is resolved, it would be best if your clansmen refrained from wandering the village."
His gaze sharpened.
"You understand."
Fugaku felt sweat bead at his temple.
"I understand."
"For the time being, I will restrain the clan."
"Good."
Hiruzen exhaled a stream of smoke.
"That will be all. I must receive the returning shinobi shortly."
Fugaku bowed and withdrew.
The moment his footsteps faded, Hiruzen's expression darkened.
"Guards."
A figure materialized instantly.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke knelt.
"Lord Hokage."
"Is what Fugaku said true?"
Shinnosuke replied without hesitation.
"Our investigation confirms it. Aside from the First Elder's involvement, a second party was indeed amplifying the rumors."
"They operated carefully. We nearly missed them."
"But under Uchiha misdirection… we traced the identities."
"They are Root operatives."
Hiruzen gave a quiet, humorless laugh.
"So. My old friend grows impatient."
Shinnosuke frowned.
"Father… why would Danzō do this? Your stepping down does not benefit him."
Hiruzen glanced at him.
It was rare for his son to drop formalities.
He answered slowly.
"You do not understand Danzō."
"He has always coveted the Hokage's seat."
"As long as I remain, he has no path forward."
"Our ideological differences have widened in recent years. I have placed increasing restrictions upon him."
"He sees resignation as opportunity."
Hiruzen inhaled deeply before continuing.
"Originally, the most promising successor was Orochimaru."
"Danzō aligned himself closely with him. They worked together for years."
"By the time I recognized the depth of that connection, it was too late."
"If Orochimaru had ascended, Danzō's influence would have grown unchecked."
"But then—"
"Minato emerged."
Hiruzen's tone softened.
"Minato is not Orochimaru."
"If Orochimaru is a storm cloud in the night… then Namikaze Minato is the sun."
"Minato will never walk the shadows alongside Danzō."
"Once he becomes Hokage, he will restrain him."
A faint sigh escaped him.
"Heaven has not abandoned Konoha yet."
Shinnosuke nodded slowly.
"Then what shall we do about this?"
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened.
"Danzō harbors ambition. The Uchiha harbor instability."
"If they cannot stand one another…"
"Let them tear at each other."
"Inform Danzō. Root is to encircle the Uchiha compound and stand ready."
"ANBU will heighten surveillance as well."
Though Fugaku's apparent loyalty had bought time—
Precaution was still necessary.
If the First Elder acted rashly, Hiruzen would not be caught unprepared.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Shinnosuke turned to leave.
"Wait."
Hiruzen's eyes shifted toward the window.
"Has Minato entered the village?"
"He is processing return formalities for his unit."
"Have him come to me immediately. Leave the paperwork to others."
"Yes."
Shinnosuke vanished.
Hiruzen remained alone, pipe smoke curling toward the ceiling.
Outside, cheers still echoed faintly through Konoha.
The Yellow Flash had returned.
And the board was set.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/warewolvesTL